People with acne might will generally try anything to get rid of it. Who can blame them? With the wide variety of acne medication on the market, getting rid of acne is something that can be achieved by most people. However, for every acne medication, there are side effects. And before you try any acne medication, it is important that you understand the risks and the possibility of side effects. Starting with the most powerful acne medication- Isotretinoin (Accutane) Isotretinoin (Accutane) is an acne medication that is only prescribed by a doctor for cases of severe acne. It is seen as an acne medication of the last resort. One of the reasons for this is that the side effects of this acne medication can be severe. Do not take this lightly. The side effects of Isotretinoin are so many that blood work is needed before it can be administered. Some side effects of Isotretinoin include: * Birth defects. This is the most serious side effect. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not take Isotretinoin. There are no studies about whether the risk of birth defects is the same for men, but men who take Isotretinoin are advised not to get women pregnant. * Chapped lips * Depression, feeling 'off' * Urinary problems * Thinning of the hair (temporary) * Joint and muscle pain * Headaches * Dry, chapped skin * Decrease in night vision Antibiotics: Antibiotics are another acne medication with some potential side effects. Many studies have appeared showing the need for restraint in the use of antibiotics. This includes using antibiotics as an acne medication. The reason for this is simple. Frequent antibiotic use can lead to resistant strains of bacteria. This goes for acne as well. Over time, acne can become resistant to antibiotics if used as a long-term treatment. Other possible side effects include: * Rashes * Photosensitivity * Gastrointestinal problems Birth Control Pills There are many well-known side-effects associated with birth control pills. If used as an acne medication, be aware of these side effects, which include: * Vaginal bleeding * Retaining water * Melasma * Increased risk of heart attack, strokes, blood clots and breast cancer * Depression |
